Oil Pulling: Transform your Dental Health

Oil Pulling: Transform Your Dental Health

What is Oil Pulling, and How Does it Work?

Oil pulling is an ancient Indian folk remedy claimed to whiten your teeth, freshen your breath, and greatly improve your oral health. Using coconut oil for oil pulling is becoming increasingly popular. Many people swear by this remedy, and many say it also improves their health in other ways. This article explores whether there is any truth behind these claims or whether oil pulling is just another ineffective trend.

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Reducing Harmful Bacteria in Your Mouth

The main benefit of oil pulling is that it reduces the amount of harmful bacteria in the mouth. There are hundreds of different types of bacteria in your mouth. While many are friendly, others are not. The bacteria in your mouth create a biofilm on your teeth, a thin layer known as plaque. Having some plaque on your teeth is perfectly normal, but if it gets out of hand, it can cause various problems, including tooth decay and gum disease.

The way oil pulling works is simple — when you swish the oil around your mouth, the bacteria get swept away and dissolve in the liquid oil.

Coconut Oil Pulling: Can It Really Help?

Oil pulling with coconut oil may help reduce the bacteria in your mouth that cause plaque. One study in 60 adults showed that oil pulling with coconut oil for 10 minutes daily significantly reduced the number of S. mutans in saliva in as little as 2 weeks, compared to distilled water. An older study in children concluded that coconut oil was as effective as a standard chlorhexidine mouthwash at reducing S. mutans.

Unproven Claims and Misconceptions

One common claim is that oil pulling can whiten your teeth. Currently, no studies confirm this benefit. Some people also believe that oil pulling is a type of detox that draws toxins from the blood. No evidence supports this idea. Finally, there is no scientific evidence that this remedy helps treat diseases other than those affecting the mouth.

How to Try Oil Pulling

To try oil pulling:

1. Put about 1 tbsp (15 mL) of oil in your mouth
2. Swish the oil around your mouth for about 15–20 minutes
3. Spit out the oil, then brush your teeth

It’s best to spit the oil onto a piece of paper and put it in the trash, as it might otherwise clog your pipes over time. There is no need to use a lot of force. If oil pulling causes pain in your facial muscles, relax a bit. Try using less oil next time, and don’t swish it around too forcefully.

Conclusion

Oil pulling may help reduce the bacteria in your mouth that cause plaque. While some claims associated with oil pulling are not supported by science, there is evidence that it can be an effective oral hygiene practice. Try oil pulling for a few weeks and see if it works for you.

FAQs

What does oil pulling actually do?
Oil pulling may help reduce the bacteria in your mouth that cause plaque.

Do dentists recommend oil pulling?
The American Dental Association (ADA) does not recommend oil pulling based on a lack of scientific research supporting it.

Should you brush your teeth before or after oil pulling?
Proponents of oil pulling recommend brushing your teeth after oil pulling.

What oil do you use for oil pulling?
Oils typically recommended for oil pulling include coconut oil, sesame oil, and sunflower oil.

Can oil pulling really help with bad breath, cavities, and gingivitis?
Yes, oil pulling with coconut oil may reduce your risk of bad breath, cavities, and gingivitis.